Poster artist motivated by film-festival ideas

Artist Luis Navarro has been in Las Cruces for close to 20 years and has let his love of the area drive his design for the 2020 Las Cruces International Film Festival commemorative poster.

Navarro has incorporated images of a light bulb, a hot air balloon, family, spotlights and more, all opening up into the galaxy.

“The light bulb is classic, because everyone who has ideas, they do see the lightbulb,” Navarro said.  “And the galaxies – it’s like we are all here, you know. The world is trying to figure out what to do.”

The 2020 Las Cruces International Film Festival will introduce this year’s commemorative poster at its annual Poster Reveal Party from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 at the Museum of Nature and Science, 411 Main Street in downtown Las Cruces.  Attendees will be treated to refreshments, a signed copy of the poster and the opportunity to purchase Film Festival VIP Tickets at a discounted price.

Navarro said he will be selling original artwork at the event, and proceeds from sales will go to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and possibly another charity cause.

It’s the element of bringing community together draws him to the film-festival project, he said.

“It’s just, like, let’s try to be good to each other,” he said. “It’s better if everyone helps each other. I see it as giving back to the community and to other artists.”

Navarro spent the first seven years of his life in the rainforests of El Salvador and his interests in nature, conservation and sustainability were developed early on. And he developed a love for the abundance of color against the earth tone backdrop incorporating complimentary colors to bring out the elements of his paintings and contrasts.

 “I remember seeing the birds and the forests when I used to walk with my aunts and now here are animals losing their homes, places being mowed down,” he said. “I think there should be a balance, at least replant what you take.”

Navarro’s interest in art goes as far back as he can remember, as he became conscious of images, pictures in books and everything around him. He ultimately graduated from the Los Angeles Art Academy, where he honed his talent by learning the science and fundamentals of art.

Moving to Las Cruces 19 years ago, he said he is inspired by the myriad of cultures and creative people here in Southern New Mexico —as well as his love of local green chile.

“I have met a lot of great artists here,” he said. “In the two decades I’ve been here, art exposure has grown in the city. If art moves, it’s good for the economy, and the city.”

Admission to the Poster Reveal Party is $25.  For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.LasCrucesFilmFest.com or call 575-649-6149. Cash only tickets can also be purchased at the Rio Grande Theatre and Visit Las Cruces.

The 2020 Las Cruces International Film Festival runs March 4-8. Navarro’s work can be seen on Instagram @navarrofineart and on Facebook at luisnavarroairbrushstudio.

Elva K. Österreich may be reached at elva@lascrucesbulletin.com.